History of Wheeling City and Ohio Co. WV - Chapters XVI-XVII



CHAPTER XVI. OLD PHYSICIANS OF WHEELING

The first permanently settled physician in Wheeling was Gideon C. 
Forsythe, in 1803. He was alone in the practice here until 1806, when Drs. 
R. H. Potter, Thomas Toner and James Ralff studied medicine under him, the 
first named of whom afterwards became his partner, but only for a short 
time as he soon left. Dr. Potter returned, however, in 1808, and opened an 
office and practiced here for several years: Dr. Forsythe continued his 
practice here until after the close of the War of 1812, when he removed to 
below New Orleans, and there engaged in the manufacture of rum. He opened 
an apothecary shop, dispensing drugs and medicines. The following incident 
connected with the professional life of the gentleman is taken from the 
Wheeling Repository, a newspaper published in Wheeling, under date of 
December 31, 1807: 

SOMETHING UNCOMMON. 

On Tuesday, the 22d inst., a box was found on the Virginia shore of the 
Ohio River, a short distance below town. On opening the box it was found 
to contain the remains of a human body so disfigured as to make it 
difficult to know whether it was black or white. It was presumed to be 
some murdered person committed to the current to prevent detection. The 
coroner was about to hold an inquest and applied to Dr. Forsythe to 
examine the body. Dr. Forsythe intimated that an inquest was unnecessary. 
Upon examination of some of the grave clothes, it proved to be the body of 
a black woman lately belonging to the subscriber, who died on the 10th 
inst and was decently buried. It was also ascertained that the body was 
taken from the grave, sawn and hacked to pieces by the midnight butchers 
of Dr. Forsythe's shop and that they afterward placed it in a most 
indecent manner in a box, and with great inhumanity put it into the river, 
to be cast ashore and be eaten by dogs, etc. It is hardly credible that 
any one would be guilty of such a brutal and infamous transaction. If the 
remains of deceased persons are to be disturbed and mangled in this way by 
the savages of the "doctor's shop," it is fair to presume that cases of 
death will be heard of with satisfaction and desired by them, so that our 
graves will require a guard to prevent their bodies being taken up. This 
is published to the world to awaken public indignation against such 
inhuman and abominable proceedings. 

Dr. Toner, after practicing four or five years, abandoned his profession 
and became associated with his brother-in-law in editing and publishing 
the Northwestern Virginia Gazette. 

Dr. Ralff, after finishing his studies with Dr. Forsythe was appointed 
surgeon of one of the Virginia regiments, and accompanied his regiment, 
when it was ordered to Richmond, in 1814, and never returned. 

Dr. Martin Luther Todd, who was one of the successors of Dr. Forsythe, was 
a native of the state of New York. He studied under his brother, Dr. John 
Todd, and finished his medical course in 1808. He located in Wheeling in 
1814. Shortly after coming to Wheeling, he was appointed surgeon to the 
One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment of state troops, then being raised in 
the Panhandle counties of the state. He retained his commission until the 
close of the war. After peace was restored, he resumed his medical 
practice and in a few years became one of the leading physicians of the 
town. He was popular, affable and social in his manners and thereby 
secured a large and lucrative practice. He married a lady, beautiful and 
accomplished, daughter of Andrew Woods, one of the early settlers of this 
place. After gaining a competency Dr. Todd retired from practice to a 
beautiful country residence above the present city of Bellaire. When 
advanced in years he lost his wife, who had been his companion for over 
fifty years. He died on the h of March. 1866, in the eighty-fourth year of 
his age. 

Joshua Morton, M. D., was born in Massachusetts, whence be came to 
Wheeling in 1816, and continued in active practice until the early part of 
1839, when his death occurred. Soon after settling in Wheeling, he formed 
a partnership with Dr. William Scott, which continued for one year, when 
it was dissolved by Dr. Scott removing from the place. 

James W. Clemens, M. D., was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. 
He graduated at Washington College in the year 1816, after which he 
removed to Wheeling. Here he commenced the study of medicine and at the 
same time taught school. He began practice in 1819. In 1822 he formed a 
partnership with J. W. Ray, a druggist, which proved a pecuniary success, 
but by the great fire of 1827 both lost everything and had to commence 
life anew. He attended medical lectures at the University of Pennsylvania 
and graduated in the winter of 1823-24. He was associated in partnership 
successively with Drs. William Crett, Baltzell, Thomas Townsend, John 
Frisswell and R. H. Cummins. He was ambitious in his profession, alive to 
keeping up with the march of improvement and discoveries in new remedies, 
being a constant reader of medical periodicals, both foreign and domestic. 
He had a chemical laboratory of his own in which he made many experiments. 
He was fond of mechanics and had a private shop for the construction of 
splints, thermometers, barometers and surgical instruments, besides other 
apparatus for scientific purposes. He also kept a private dissecting room 
in his house on Main street for the use of himself and. students. He was a 
ready writer and fluent speaker, and delivered many public addresses. He 
died November 21, 1846, in the fifty-second year of his age. 

Dr. John Eoff, born in Jefferson county, Virginia, in 1788, practiced 
medicine for a time in Charleston, Kanawha county, and moved to Wheeling 
about the year 1817. He had married Helen L. Quarrier, of Richmond, 
Virginia, by whom he had four sons and six daughters. His eldest son, John 
Q. Eoff, studied medicine and practiced several years. Dr. Eoff and family 
being wealthy, after nine or ten years he retired from practice. He died 
January 28, 1859, in his seventy-first year. 

Dr. John Wilson began practice in 1812, and continued until his death, in 
1829. He was a pupil of the celebrated Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia. His 
place of residence was six miles above Wheeling. He had a great reputation 
as a surgeon and was a bold and successful operator, being sent for from 
far and near. One leg being shorter than the other and partly flexed, he 
devised a saddle with an upright horn to enable him to ride on horseback. 

Dr. Waterman, another of the early physicians of Wheeling, after 
practicing here about one year removed to Ohio. 

Dr. Thomas Townsend was born near Uniontown, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, 
about the year 1787. He came to Wheeling from Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and 
commenced the practice of medicine in 1828. He undertook the study of 
medicine when about thirty-five or thirty-six years of age. He was 
essentially a self made man. He was fond of natural science and was a 
devoted student. He gathered a complete herbarium of the botany of this 
region; having been frequently seen climbing around our hills and putting 
his specimens into his hat for preservation, a report was originated that 
he was of unsound mind, for said they, "We saw him wandering over the 
hills, pulling up weeds and putting their in his hat." He also studied the 
geology and mineralogy of our hills, and collected a very clever cabinet, 
this also serving in the opinion of the ignorant to corroborate the idea 
of his being insane, "For," said they, "we saw him picking up stones and 
bringing them home." In his studies he manifested a childlike simplicity 
of manner and a candor which made him both attractive and engaging. He was 
a member of the Society of Friends and sustained the reputation of that 
sect for honesty, sincerity and charity. He died of pneumonia on the 29th 
day of March, 1851, at the age of about sixty-four years. 

From the year 1820 to the year 1828 Drs. Emery, John Thompson, Hunter, 
Downey and I. H. Irwin practiced in Wheeling for short periods; of their 
histories, however, but little is known. 

Dr. James Tanner was of Irish parentage, and was born in Baltimore, 
Maryland, in 1796. He settled in Wheeling about the year 1820, and shortly 
after married Deborah Graham, by whom he had a son and daughter. The son 
died when about fourteen years of age and the daughter married Hon. A. I. 
Boreman, of Parkersburg, and is still living. Dr. Tanner was regarded as a 
successful practitioner, passionate, warm hearted and devoted to his 
patients and friends. He was also public spirited, participating largely 
in the affairs of the city government, being at the time of his death, 
(which occurred December 26, 1858) mayor of the city. He died at the age 
of sixty-two. Dr. Tanner probably did more hard, laborious practice, 
rendering the citizens of Wheeling more charitable and unrequited service, 
in the thirty-eight years of his practice than any other practitioner, and 
his death was deeply regretted by the community. 

Dr. D. B. Dorsey came to Wheeling in 1834. He was a minister of the M. E. 
church and also practiced medicine. From Wheeling he went to Steubenville, 
Ohio. 

Dr. Jonathan Zane was born in Wheeling, August 25, 1802. He studied 
medicine under Dr. Rhodes, of Zanesville, Ohio, and began the practice of 
it in Wheeling in the fall of 1826. His health becoming impaired, he 
emigrated to Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he died in 1826. 

Dr. S. P. Hullihen was born in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, on the 10th 
day of December, 1810, and died in Wheeling. March 27, 1857, of typhoid-
pneumooia, aged forty-six years, three months and seventeen days. He was 
of Irish extraction, his father and ancestry being plain Pennsylvania 
farmers. In his ninth year he met with a severe accident by which both 
feet were so seriously burned that he was to some extent crippled for 
life. At an early age he manifested a love for surgery and medicine, and 
his vigorous pursuit of these studies was shown by his success in after 
life. In 1832 he commenced practice, combining dentistry with general 
surgery at Canton, Stark county, Ohio. In 1835 he married and removed to 
Wheeling. He never practiced general medicine. His great success and 
usefulness appeared in surgical operations. In 1845 he established a 
private infirmary and several years later he succeeded in establishing the 
"Wheeling Hospital," in the northern part of the city. This was a favorite 
project of Dr. Hullihen. Having concerted measures with Bishop Whelan, and 
having secured the aid of the Sisters of the Catholic church, a house was 
purchased by the Bishop and a charter obtained March 12, 1850, under the 
name of the "Wheeling Hospital." Since then it has been largely improved 
and extended to its present capacity by the contributions of benevolent 
persons, liberal expenditures of Bishop Whelan and the gentle charity of 
the Sisters. 

Dr. Hullihen was a man of true genius and especially gifted in reference, 
to original conceptions whereby to overcome difficulties. He possessed the 
discriminating mind, the quick eye and the cunning hand that, act in 
harmony to produce correct decisions when he assumed the task of a, bold 
and difficult operation. Dr. John Frissell acted with Dr. Hullihen in the 
surgical department from 1840 to the time of Dr. Hullihen's death. His 
death caused profound sorrow throughout the city. At a public meeting of 
the citizens at the Court House it was resolved to erect a suitable 
monument to his memory. The monument has long since been erected, and with 
the following inscription it marks his resting place in Mount Wood 
cemetery: 

"Erected by the citizens of Wheeling to the memory of one who had so lived 
among them, that they mourned his death as a public calamity." 

Dr. J. H. Kieffer was born in western Pennsylvania. In early manhood he 
was a Lutheran preacher. He came to Wheeling in 1836 and turned his 
attention to practice here, chiefly among his German friends. In 1845 he 
entered into partnership with Dr. Victor E. Anler, which continued but a 
few months, when it was dissolved by Dr. Anler's leaving the city. Dr. 
Kieffer died in 1848, highly esteemed among his countrymen. 

Dr. Robert Wilson practiced here but a short period and removed to 
Pittsburg. 

Dr. Samuel W. McElhenny was born in Lewisburg,. Greenbrier county, 
Virginia, December 25, 1815. He obtained his degree from the University in 
Philadelphia in 1838. He began his practice at Covington, Alleghany 
county, Virginia, but as it was chiefly a country practice the exposure 
and fatigue proved too great for him. He removed to Canton, Mississippi in 
1842, hoping to regain his failing health and to recover his waning 
strength, but being disappointed in this he came to Wheeling in the fall 
of 1843. Here he married the only daughter of Hon. Zachariah Jacob. He 
continued practice until his death, which occurred April 9, 1853, in his 
thirty-eighth year. He was a man highly esteemed, a Christian gentleman of 
affable, engaging manners and professional honor. His medical acquirements 
were fully up to the time; his feeble health, however, unfitted, him for 
the exposure of active practice. 

Dr. Joseph Thoburn was born early in the year 1825 in County Antrim, 
Ireland. In the fall of the same year his father moved to Canada and the 
next year settled on a farm in Belmont county, Ohio, near St. Clairsville. 
His advantages for education were here limited, being only such as might 
be acquired in the country log school-houses, but his desire for books and 
learning was early developed and his aptitude and progress in study in the 
English branches fitted him at an early age to embark in the business of 
teaching school to acquire the means of prosecuting more advanced and 
expensive studies. After teaching for several years he entered the office 
of Dr. Ephraim Gaston, of Morristown, Ohio, as a medical student and 
subsequently attended medical lectures at Starling Medical College, 
Columbus, Ohio. In 1848 he located at Brownsville, Pennsylvania, where he 
formed a partnership which was dissolved by his appointment in 1850 as an 
assistant to Dr. Aul, of the Ohio Lunatic Asylum; being displaced by 
political influence in 1853, he then. moved to Wheeling and continued his 
practice until May, 1861, when he was commissioned as surgeon of the First 
Virginia Regiment, under Colonel B. F. Kelley, in the three months 
service. He accompanied his regiment and was in the battle of Philippi and 
attended Colonel Kelley, who was wounded in that engagement. In August, 
1861, on the reorganization of the First Virginia Regiment, he was 
commissioned colonel, and led his regiment in the numerous battles fought 
in the valley of Virginia until he was killed in the battle of Cedar 
Creek, October 19, 1864, being in his fortieth year. As a soldier he was 
greatly beloved by his brother officers and men. He was full of kindness 
and benevolence and of undoubted bravery and patriotism. His body was 
brought to this city and followed to Mount Wood cemetery by a public 
procession composed of the city officers, council, medical faculty, 
military escort and a large concourse of citizens. 

Dr. Ernst August Wilhelm Wehrman was born in Hanover, Germany, and 
educated at the University of Gottingen and immigrated to Wheeling in 
1838. His health failing, he left Wheeling and settled near Captina, Ohio, 
in the beginning of 1845, hoping to recover his health, but died about one 
year afterward. 

Dr. D. J. McGinnis came to Wheeling from Fairmont, West Virginia, in 1868. 
He was also a minister of the M. E. church. In the fall of 1870 his health 
failed rapidly and he died December 22, 1870. 

Dr. Joseph S. Elder was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, June 5, 
1843. He came to Wheeling in 1863. He graduated at the Miami Medical 
College in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1871. After practicing in Wheeling about 
two years he went to Texas in 1874, where he died January 5, 1875, aged 
thirty-two years. 

Dr. Robert H. Cummins was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, in February, 
1817. He died in Wheeling April 12, 1873. (See sketch of his life in the 
transactions of the medical society for 1873.) 

Henry J. Wiesel, M. D., was born in Baltimore, April 22, 1840, and died in 
Wheeling November 4, 1873. (See transactions of medical society as above.) 



CHAPTER XVII. CHURCHES AND BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS
CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES OF THE COUNTY AND CITY--FIRST SABBATH
SCHOOL IN WHEELING--CHILDREN'S HOME OF THE CITY OF WHEELING. 

EARLY PRESBYTERIANISM

Rev. John Brice and Rev. James Hughes were two among the first 
Presbyterian ministers who preached in this part of Virginia. As early as 
1782 there was an appointment made by Redstone Presbytery for preaching at 
Ohio Court House; at that time Washington county, together with Fayette 
and Greene and a large portion of Allegheny and Westmoreland, were claimed 
by Virginia and considered as a part of West Augusta county, Virginia.(*)

(* See "Old Redstone," page 318 and note)

Shortly after the attack on Fort Henry in the year 1782 Rev. Thaddeus Dod 
preached in the fort, where he was received with gladness. The memories of 
Dod, McMillan, Smith, Brice and other early Presbyterian ministers are a 
priceless legacy to the churches of western Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Rev. Dr. McMillan was appointed at a meeting of the presbytery to supply 
at Ohio Court House (West Liberty) and a year afterward Rev. Joseph Smith 
was sent as a supply to the same place, which then went under the name of 
Short Creek, which name it retained for fifteen or twenty years, when it 
took the name of the village - West Liberty.

Brice and Hughes were two of four candidates who were licensed by the 
presbytery of Redstone to preach the gospel. Brice settled at "Three 
Ridges" (West Alexander), and Hughes at Short Creek and Lower Buffalo, of 
which latter place Hughes was installed pastor April 21, 1790. In these 
congregations Hughes labored upwards of twenty-four years with great 
acceptance and encouraging success. He resigned his charge on the 29th of 
June, 1814, and was dismissed to join the presbytery of Miami. He was an 
early and decided friend of missions, and an active member of the board of 
trust of the Western Missionary Society for a number of years.(*)

(* See Elliott's life of Macurdy, page 246)

In July, 1775, Rev. Dr. McMillan preached at Chartiers on the fourth 
Sabbath in August, and on the Tuesday following at Pigeon Creek, 
Washington county, Pennsylvania. During the following fall and winter he 
was directed by the presbytery to supply the rest of the time until the 
spring meeting of that body in Augusta county, Virginia, and Westmoreland 
county, Pennsylvania. At the meeting of the presbytery in April, 1776, he 
accepted a call which was presented to him from the congregations of 
Chartiers and Pigeon Creek and was dismissed to connect himself with the 
presbytery of Donegal, then the most western presbytery of the church. He 
was ordained at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania June 19, 1776, in reference to 
the pastoral care of the churches whose call he had accepted, but did not 
remove his family to the West until the fall of 1778, on account of the 
unsettled state of the country and the exposure of the frontier 
settlements to the hostile incursions of the Indians. He himself, however, 
visited his congregation as often as practicable, ordained elders, 
baptized children and performed such other acts of pastoral labor as 
circumstances would permit. He was the first minister who settled as a 
pastor west of the Alleghanies. He was one of the original members of the 
presbytery of Redstone and was its first moderator.

Rev. John Brice was a native of Harford county, Maryland, and was licensed 
to preach by the presbytery of Redstone April 15, 1788, and was ordained 
and installed pastor of the congregations of "Three Ridges" and the "Forks 
of Wheeling" April 22, 1790. He labored in these congregations until about 
the year 1807, when on account of ill health the pastoral relation was 
dissolved. He died August 26, 1811, at the age of fifty-one.

In the month of October, 1802, at West Liberty, there was a wonderful 
manifestation of God's presence in which great mental misery and bodily 
weakness was experienced by numbers by reason of conviction of sin. The 
church at the time was under the pastoral care of Rev. James Hughes, a 
native of York county, Pennsylvania, who was licensed to preach by the 
presbytery of Redstone April 15, 1788.

John Baird, a Scotchman and a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church at 
the "Forks of Wheeling," was on one occasion in the brick school house 
called upon to pray, when, it is said, he gave expression to the petition: 
"Lord, save the people, as they are in the very scuttle hole of hell." 


"Forks of Wheeling" Church.

The "Forks of Wheeling" and "Three Ridges" are probably the two oldest 
church organizations in this section of the country. The former has for a 
great many years been popularly known as the "Stone" church, while "Three 
Ridges" has long been officially changed to West Alexander.

The records of the "Forks of Wheeling" run back about one hundred and 
twelve years. The church was organized in the year 1787, -- a year 
somewhat memorable in the annals of our history as the year in which the 
convention that framed our national constitution met in Philadelphia. It 
was in this year, also, that the great Northwestern territory was 
organized. This territory comprised all the national domain lying 
northwest of the Ohio River, being at that time an unbroken wilderness.

Just after the close of the Revolutionary War and before the government 
was formed on its present basis, the country was in a confused, unsettled 
condition. "Shays' Rebellion" was in full blast in Massachusetts, and a 
few years later the "Whiskey Insurrection" broke out in Pennsylvania. The 
unsettled state of things was especially felt by those living "west of the 
mountains." To other sources of irritation there were added frequent 
attacks by the Indians. The bloodthirsty savages delighted in taking the 
frontier settlements by surprise, killing men, women and children and 
destroying their property. The pioneers were obliged to take their guns 
with them when at work in the fields, and with rifle in hand to stand 
guard over their wives and daughters while they milked the cows and 
performed other out-door duties.

We are therefore prepared for the record in the old Congregational book 
before us. It refers to the period prior to the organization of the 
church, and is as follows:

Ohio county no sooner began to be settled than the settlers provided for 
themselves a place of public worship, and obtained the preached gospel 
even in perilous times, receiving the spiritual bread with the weapons of 
defense in their hands to protect themselves from a ruthless savage.

Among the first things they did was the putting up of the "Meeting House." 
In this work they had no aid from architect or contractor; had no use for 
either.

The whole neighborhood took a hand in it, the neighborhood in those days 
embracing a much greater extent of country than a neighborhood does now. 
They all came together, each felt an interest in the work, each was 
identified with it and each helped to do it.

Soon after the organization of the church in 1787 Rev. John Brice was 
settled as the regular pastor over the "Forks of Wheeling," and "Three 
Ridges," spending one-half of his time alternately between the two 
congregations. He continued to labor in this field until his death. His 
children remained in the region, and, intermarrying with other families, 
quite a numerous family connection is found throughout the country.

After the death of Rev. Brice, according to the record, Rev. Joseph 
Stevenson accepted a call from these two congregations and for some years 
gave each congregation one-half of his ministerial labors. "Three Ridges" 
desiring the whole of a minister's time, the union between the two 
congregations was dissolved, and the "Forks of Wheeling" left vacant.

Just at this time Rev. James Hervey was licensed and on invitation of the 
congregation commenced in 1812 preaching to them as a licentiate. His 
ordination and installation took place on the 20th of April, 1814, as 
appears from the following extract of the minutes of Ohio Presbytery:

The Presbytery of Ohio being met at the Forks of Wheeling, on the 20th of 
April, 1814, did, with fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands of 
the Presbytery, ordain Mr. James Hervey to the holy office of gospel 
ministry, and installed him pastor of the united congregation of Wheeling 
Town and the Forks of Wheeling.
Extract of the minutes of Presbytery,
(Signed) John Anderson, Clerk.

In 1812, soon after he had commenced preaching at the "Forks," Rev. Hervey 
discovered that some of his parishioners lived in the village of Wheeling, 
six miles from the church. For their accommodation and from the desire 
also to give the benefits of a preached gospel to this hitherto 
spiritually destitute village, he commenced in the fall of 1812 to hold 
regular services in this place, occupying for this purpose the old Court 
House that stood in the street between the Grant House and McClelland's 
corner and the brick school house, at that time standing near the edge of 
an orchard not far from where the Second Ward Market House is now. He was 
the first minister of any Christian denomination that instituted regular 
religious services in the place. 


West Liberty Presbyterian Church.

The presbytery sent a supply to preach in this village, then the county 
seat of Ohio county, in 1782, and the church was formally organized in the 
year 1788. In April, 1790, the presbytery met in this place and ordained 
the Rev. James Hughes, whose pastorate extended over twenty-four years. 
Rev. Andrew Wylie, president of Washington College, Pennsylvania, 
succeeded Mr. Hughes, and he was succeeded by Rev. William Wylie, who had 
charge of this and the First Presbyterian church, giving each the half of 
his time.

Rev. James McKennan was pastor from 1828 to 1834 and then, after Rev. 
Shotnall's pastorate of about fifteen years, Rev. McKennan again became 
pastor in 1858 and remained as such for several years. After this it was 
either supplied temporarily or had pastors who remained but a brief 
period. In 1864 Rev. J. A. Brown became pastor and continued for about 
eleven years. He was followed by Rev. D. B. Rodgers. The last pastor was 
Rev. J. R. Garvin, who continued as such for several years, and resigned 
by reason of ill health, which, to the regret of the congregation, he was 
compelled to do with a view of seeking a more congenial climate. The 
church is now supplied by a student from the theological seminary at 
Pittsburg.

The first church building was erected about the year 1790. It was a frame 
building and remained until 1855, when it gave place to a brick structure. 
The present building was dedicated December 11, 1873, and is located a 
short distance north of the site of the old Court House.

The history of the church shows much earnest work by its pastors and their 
sessions. At an early day a female prayer meeting was conducted for a 
number of years. During the pastorate of Rev. William Wylie a missionary 
meeting was called at the suggestion of a female member of the church, at 
the first meeting of which they raised $60 for missionary purposes. In 
1824 a female and male were joint superintendents of the Sabbath-school. 
The women of the church are deserving of much praise, as they were among 
the most persevering and successful in raising funds for the new church. 


The First Presbyterian Church.

The first Presbyterian church erected in Wheeling was a small brick 
building, and the audience room was surrounded with a plain gallery. It 
was enclosed in its front with a white paling fence. The penchant for 
whittling in those days was as strong as in the present, and it was not 
long before the fence showed much evidence of the practice of the artist 
in this particular line.

The Sabbath-school was held in the gallery of the church until an addition 
on the east was made, when a room was constructed above the vestibule and 
the school was then held there. The sessions of the school were held at 
two o'clock P. M. Sometime prior to this there were two sessions of the 
school held respectively in the morning and afternoon of the Sabbath. 
There were but few days schools at the time of the inauguration of the 
Sabbath and hence the method of teaching adopted was different in some 
particulars from that of the present. Then the children were taught 
elementary branches of the English language, such as the alphabet, 
spelling and reading, together with the study of the Bible. Rev. Wylie, 
the pastor of the church, lived on a lot to the east of the church in a 
two-story frame house, the gable end of which fronted the street and it 
had a porch on the south side. The house referred to occupied the present 
site of the Carroll Club. The Sabbath-school at attached to this church 
had formerly met in the Lancasterian Academy building, which was located 
but a few feet north of the present church building, but when the church 
building was prepared for its accommodation it was removed to that 
structure. It was then that a library was procured for the use of the 
scholars and teachers. This was the first Sabbath-school library 
introduced into the town, and was for a time a matter of great public 
interest and awakened general pleasure, as it was an acquisition which was 
hailed with delight by the entire community. In those days the literature 
possessed by this section was not extensive as compared with that of the 
present, not only was it more limited, but it was also more select. It 
took some time to arrange the books in order and to adopt a proper system 
for their distribution, all of which, however, was finally accomplished to 
the general satisfaction under the direction of Dr. Archibald S. Todd, who 
was the first librarian. Reddick McKee, Esq., was the superintendent and 
during the warm Sabbath afternoons he would discard his coat and go about 
in his shirt sleeves while attending to his duties.

Regular Presbyterian services were commenced in Wheeling in the year 1812, 
prior to which time they had occasionally been held in the school house 
which formerly stood on Market Square, and in private houses. Rev. Dr. 
Hervey in this last named was called to preach on-half of his time. A 
short time after this arrangement was made with Rev. Dr. Hervey, several 
prominent male members united with the church, among them being Messrs. 
Laughlin and Templeton. These gentlemen had moved to Wheeling after Mr. 
Hervey had commenced his regular ministrations. At this period Messrs. 
List, Booth and other members of the Methodist church were in the habit of 
regularly attending the Presbyterian prayer meetings, as the Methodist 
denomination at the time had no regular prayer meetings.

Rev. Dr. Hervey continued as pastor under the arrangement mentioned until 
the year 1825, at which date Rev. William Wylie received a call for two-
thirds of this time, the members having concluded that they were 
financially able to pay for more extended regular services and that they 
ought to have them.

At the time of the call for the services of Rev. Wylie he was preaching in 
Uniontown, Pennsylvania. This arrangement threw Rev. Dr. Hervey out of a 
portion of his stipulated time and thereupon he resigned, and gathered a 
congregation to which he preached in the Court House. This movement caused 
a division in the congregation. These differences continued to exist for 
five or six years, when the two congregations came to terms and agreed to 
reunite on the basis that they would dismiss both Mr. Hervey and Mr. Wylie 
and call another minister in their place, which was accordingly done, and 
Rev. Henry Weed, D. D., was called about one year after the happening of 
the foregoing occurrences.

On one occasion when irregular Presbyterian services were held in Wheeling 
a Presbyterian minister was expected, who it had been announced would hold 
services in the Court House on a certain night specified at an hour 
indicated. A large congregation had gathered at the appointed time and was 
anxiously awaiting his advent, but for some unavoidable reason he was 
prevented from filling his appointment.

Many of those present becoming restless, and the hour growing late, a 
movement was made by some present to leave, when a person, a stranger in 
the town, announced that he would supply the place of the absent minister, 
and at once took the stand and began to descant upon the merits of the 
Swedenborgian doctrine, when both he and the congregation were suddenly 
startled by an individual who arose and shook his cane threateningly at 
the speaker and at the same time declared in the most emphatic manner that 
he was preaching falsehood and not gospel truth, and indignantly insisted 
that the congregation should adjourn; suiting the action to the word, he 
deliberately walked out and was followed by almost the entire audience. 
The name of this gentleman was Isaac Kelly, a relative of the late A. W. 
Kelly. He was a stanch Presbyterian and a prominent member of the church 
at the "Forks of Wheeling."

In the year 1807 there were four members of the Presbyterian church 
residing in the then village of Wheeling, named, respectively, Mrs. Realf, 
Mrs. Ralston and William McConnell and his wife. These last named persons 
were the father and mother of the late James H. McConnell, Esq. It was 
then customary at the time for some one to go from house to house and 
notify the inmates that a meeting would be held at a certain place and 
time, which, as we have before said was in a private house, in the school 
house or in the Court House, as it might be. Several families whose 
leaning was in favor of Presbyterian doctrine and teaching attended and 
contributed of their means to the encouragement of this form of worship, 
among whom were the following families, to-wit: Capt. George Knox, 
Zachariah Sprigg, Joseph Caldwell, William Irwin and John Ewing, the 
latter the father of the late James Ewing, deceased. William Irwin was the 
father of the late Isaac and Samuel Irwin, both of whom are deceased.

The nearest regular places of preaching at this time were at the "Stone" 
meeting house and at West Alexander, Pennsylvania. Services at the "Stone" 
meeting house were held regularly every two weeks, and members in Wheeling 
and others were accustomed to attend them statedly. In those days the 
services were regarded as sacred privileges which were highly appreciated, 
and neither cold nor heat, wet nor dry weather were permitted to interfere 
to such an extent as to preclude those early Presbyterians from enjoying 
them.

Communion services were held twice a year, alternately at the "Forks of 
Wheeling" and at West Alexander, on which occasions it was customary for 
the entire family to make their arrangements to be present, leaving their 
homes on the Friday preceding communion services and remaining until 
Tuesday of the following week, camping out beneath the trees when the 
weather permitted in a similar manner as the Methodists now do, with this 
difference, that then it was a necessity as some of those who attended 
were compelled to come a distance of 20 and 30 miles. Moreover, the 
services of the Sabbath were followed by services on Monday. On such 
occasions sanctified social intercourse and communion awakened pleasant 
sympathies, and developed a pure and holy friendship and welded devoted 
attachments. The regular minister who alternately officiated at these 
churches was Rev. Stevenson.

Rev. Henry Weed was installed as pastor of the First Presbyterian church 
in June, 1835, and for twenty-five years continued to discharge his duties 
as pastor, when on account of the infirmities of age he resigned his 
office as such in January, 1860. In the following year Rev. Baker accepted 
a call from the church in the capacity of co-pastor, but remained but four 
months, at the expiration of which time he tendered his resignation. In 
the early portion of the year 1862 Rev. Daniel W. Fisher received and 
accepted a call as pastor. He resigned the pastorate of the church in 
1876, his period of service having covered fourteen years, and shortly 
after he accepted the presidency of Hanover College, Indiana.

The present pastor, Rev. David A. Cunningham, D. D., LL. D., was installed 
as pastor in October, 1876. For a quarter of a century he has preached the 
pure gospel to the people of his charge and has greatly endeared himself 
to all with whom he has come in contact in and out of the church. He has 
been a faithful, discreet and conscienctious minister of the Lord Jesus 
Christ and his walk and conversation have been godly.

The ground occupied by the church building was donated by Noah Zane, who 
generously donated other lots of ground to different denominations for 
church purposes. 


Second Presbyterian Church.

This church is an off-shoot of the First Presbyterian church. The services 
of this church were first temporarily held in the third story of Ott & 
Greer's hardware store, located on the northwest corner of Twelfth and 
Market streets.

In 1848 a building committee was appointed and also a committee to solicit 
subscriptions. The church was regularly organized in 1848. The Sabbath-
school was organized in the same year and Reddick McKee was selected as 
superintendent.

The church edifice stands on the residence and grounds of the late William 
Chapline on the corner of Twentieth and Market streets. The church was 
erected in the year 1850.

The first pastor of the church was the Rev. Cyrus Dickson, who resigned to 
accept a call to a church in Baltimore. During the eight or nine years of 
his pastorate the church rapidly increased in membership. The vacant 
pulpit was supplied for several months by Rev. Samuel J. Wilson, who was 
called, but declined acceptance of it for another position.

In 1857 Rev. R. V. Dodge, of Springfield, Illinois, was called and was 
installed in October, 1857. He remained as pastor for five years and 
resigned in October, 1862. Rev. Dodge was followed by Rev. John Moffat, of 
Bellaire, Ohio, who entered upon his labors in 1863, but who after eight 
years was compelled by physical disability to cease his labors. He was 
succeeded by this son, Rev. James D. Moffat, as co-pastor, now the 
president of Washington and Jefferson College, of Washington, Pennsylvania,
where his work has been crowned with great success. In 1875, on the death 
of his father, he became sole pastor. He was followed by Rev. Cooke, who 
died in the course of a few years, and was succeeded by the present 
pastor, Rev. Joseph Speers. 


Third Presbyterian Church.

This church was organized in 1849, when Rev. Alfred Paull became its first 
pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Edgar Woods, who remained its pastor for 
several years. It was supplied for some time by Revs. Boyd, J. V. Dodge 
and others. For two years Rev. Marcus Wishart was pastor. In 1866 Rev. 
Jonathan Cross was its pastor and remained such until 1873. He was 
followed by Rev. A. G. Eagleson. In 1875 Rev. Daniel Williams, then pastor 
of the Fourth Presbyterian church, with the consent of his session and the 
presbytery, gave it half of his time. In 1876 he found he could not serve 
both churches fully and acceptably and gave it up. He was followed by Rev. 
Lyle, who died during his pastorate. After frequent changes the present 
pastor, Rev. R. R. Bigger, received and accepted a call. Under his 
ministrations a number have been added to its membership and the church 
edifice has been greatly repaired and improved. Mainly through the efforts 
of the pastor, ably seconded by those of the members of the congregation, 
between four and five thousand dollars were raised to defray the cost of 
the addition to the building. the Sabbath-school of this church is the 
largest in numbers in the city. At present its superintendent is Isadore 
Fulton, whose time and attention is given to its success and prosperity, 
and who is ably and faithfully seconded by his pastor in his labors. 


Fourth Presbyterian Church.

The original members of this church colonized from the First Presbyterian 
church.

October 6, 1851, they applied to the presbytery requesting to be organized 
as a Presbyterian church, which request was granted, whereupon at a 
meeting held in November, 1851, five trustees were elected, viz: William 
Clark, John Goshorn, Michael Edwards, Finley McNaughten and James Todd. 
Services were held in the First Ward House until the completion of the 
church building in the year 1853. The services of Rev. Alfred Paull were 
secured as pastor. A lot had been purchased from N. McNaughten for the sum 
of $1,300, payable one-fourth in cash February 1, 1852. The lot was 
purchased by the aid of Rev. Henry Weed, D. D., and a stipulation in the 
deed provided that when it ceased to be used for Presbyterian purposes the 
same was to revert to Rev. Alfred Paull, a son-in-law of Rev. Dr. Weed, or 
his heirs. Rev. Alfred Paull was pastor of the church until January, 1864, 
when he resigned and Rev. Edgar Woods was elected as a supply. Before the 
expiration of a year this latter resigned and removed to eastern Virginia. 
He was followed by Rev. John R. Hamilton as stated supply, who remained 
about a year, when he resigned. Rev. J. D. McIntyre followed him as stated 
supply, but before the laspe of a year the latter resigned. In April, 
1868, a call was extended to Rev. R. V. Dodge, which was accepted and he 
continued as pastor until April, 1869, when he was called to the church in 
Madison, Wisconsin, which call he accepted. In October, 1869, Rev. 
Bellville Roberts was called and accepted the pastorate. He remained for 
about three years, when Rev. Daniel Williams was called, who for four or 
five years preached, when, the church finding itself unable to pay the 
salary of a pastor, he resigned. These constitute the names of all the 
pastors in their regular order.

Thomas G. Culbertson and John Moore were the first ruling elders. In 1853 
J. Caldwell and Thomas Tood became members of the session and Messrs. 
McCombs, Chalfant and McGinnis were elected elders. In 1865 vacancies in 
the session were filled by John H. Armstrong and Ralph Arkle. In 1866 T. 
R. Laird was elected a ruling elder. In 1869 G. L. Cranmer was elected and 
ordained a ruling elder. The foregoing is a correct list of the eldership.

A few months afterward, the church was dissolved by the presbytery. 


First United Presbyterian Church.

This congregation was originally organized under the name of the Associate 
Reformed church. After several years of effort a union was accomplished 
between the Associate and the Associate Reformed churches, which formed 
what is known as the United Presbyterian church. The Reformed Presbyterian 
church held aloof from this union and still continues as a distinct 
organization. The United Presbyterian church was styled the Associate 
Reformed church and such was its name until the year 1858, since when it 
adopted the name of the United Presbyterian church. In 1828 Rev. William 
Wallace, D. D., was pastor of the charges of West Middletown and Short 
Creek.

A few persons were at the time living in Wheeling whose preferences were 
in favor of the Associate Reformed church; they were: Thomas Johnston, 
Sr., and his wife and Mrs. Isabella Garden. These individuals constituted 
the first members of the church.

The first church building was erected in 1832, and it was occupied in 
1833. It cost about $4,500 and was occupied for about thirty-five years. 

The regular organization took place in the year 1843, when Thomas Sweeney 
and James Waddle were ordained and installed as ruling elders. Another 
member of the session was Thomas Johnston, Sr., who was also installed, 
having previously been ordained in the Short Creek congregation. Wheeling 
at this time was regarded as a mission field, and as such was under the 
care of the Short Creek church, of which Dr. Wallace was the pastor, and 
Waddle and Johnston were ruling elders. Forty persons were received into 
membership prior to the organization, and at its organization four more 
names were added, making the membership to amount to 44.

At the beginning of Rev. J. T. McLure's pastorate, which was in March, 
1850, the congregation consisted of not more than 75 members. Since then a 
strong and flourishing congregation has grown up.

In 1866 the present church building on Chapline street was erected, and in 
the respective years of 1874 and 1901 the church building was repaired, 
some changes having been made which have added greatly to its beauty and 
attractiveness.

Upon the death of Rev. J. T. McLure, the beloved and honored pastor, after 
an interval a call was extended to and accepted by Rev. Robinson, of 
Baltimore, whose ministrations are highly acceptable, and under his 
auspices and the blessings of God they look forward to great prosperity in 
the future. 


Second United Presbyterian Church.

The Second United Presbyterian church, located on the corner of Fourteenth 
and Chapline streets, was organized on the evening of November 21, 1900. 
Until that time there was but one church of this denomination in the city.

On account of conditions obtaining in the First United Presbyterian church 
a very large majority of its members, believing there was ample room for 
two churches of their denomination in the city, withdrew from the First 
church and proceeded in an orderly manner to organize the Second church.

The first public services for worship were held in the A. O. U. W. Hall at 
the corner of Fourteenth and Market streets on September 23, 1900, where 
the congregation continued to worship until they entered their neat and 
beautiful chapel on the corner of Fourteenth and Chapline streets.

When it began to appear from existing conditions that a Second church 
should be formed, a number of meetings of the men were held for 
consultation. When they had determined on a course of action, a public 
meeting was held on September 26, 1900, in a hall of the Hub building. At 
this meeting a petition addressed to Wheeling Presbytery, asking for the 
organization of the Second church, was unanimously adopted and signed, and 
the following officers were elected: Treasurer, Andrew S. Hare; trustees, 
John B. Garden, Samuel Nesbitt, Jr., James L. Sawtell, Sam. B. McKee, John 
Crockard, George W. Breemer, John Beckett, William D. Robertson and David 
A. Morgan.

The petition, which was adopted, was presented to the presbytery at its 
meeting held at High Ridge October 26, 1900, and after examination it was 
grated. In receiving and granting the petition the presbytery recognized 
those who had been members of the First church as being now no longer 
members of the First church, but as being members of the organization for 
which they ask and which was granted. A commission was then appointed by 
the presbytery to carry the organization to completion.

On November 11, 1900, the commission met, and after a sermon by the Rev. 
J. H. Littell, an election was held which resulted in the following 
persons being chosen to the office of ruling elder: Edward J. McDonald, S. 
P. Parker, Thomas M. Garvin, Frank T. Hare and John C. Paul. On the 
evening of November 21, 1900, the commission, consisting of Rev. J. H. 
Littell and Elders Thomas J. Orr and Daniel A. Giffin, of Roney's Point 
congregation, met with the new organization, and after public services, 
which were held in the I. O. O. F. Hall, the organization was completed by 
the ordination and installation of the elders elected.

Being now perfectly organized, the congregation proceeded to the calling 
of a pastor. A congregational meeting was held for this purpose on 
February 26, 1901. Rev. Thomas Balph, D. D., of St. Clairsville, Ohio, 
moderating the call, which resulted in the unanimous choice of Rev. J. H. 
Littell. For more than six years Mr. Littell had had the pastoral care of 
this people in the First church. It was a happy consummation when he was 
now to be placed over them again. He was installed pastor of the Second 
church on March 21, 1901. The congregation grew steadily and before 
completing the first year of its history it had become the largest in the 
presbytery.

The question of a permanent church home became a serious one which gave 
the people no little anxiety. No location could be found that was suitable 
and available. But as if providentially arranged, while in the midst of 
their anxiety, the property at the corner of Fourteenth and Chapline 
streets was offered at public sale. It was a beautiful and central 
location, one of the best in the whole city. They determined to purchase 
it, and John B. Garden was nominated to that duty with the limitation that 
he was not to exceed $16,500 in his bidding. The property was sold to J. 
T. Stone for $18,100, and the hearts of the people sunk within them. 
Another effort was made, as the people seemed unwilling to abandon the 
place upon which one and all seemed to center their desires. On March 20, 
1901, the deal was closed. The property of the Second United Presbyterian 
church, and the hearts of the people rejoiced.

There are two buildings on the front end of the lot which have not been 
distrubed, which ar suitable for offices. But there is space enough on the 
reer end of the lot and facing on Fourteenth street for a neat chapel, 
which was erected at a cost of $1,800. The chapel, which has a seating 
capacity of 250, was dedicated free of debt on July 17, 1901. Rev. Thomas 
Balph, D. D., preached the dedication sermon. 

The congregation, now a little more than a year old, numbers 226. It has a 
large Sabbath-school and every department of the church is in good working 
order. It also has a mission under its care in the town of Moundsville, 
which is soon to be organized into a congregation.

The Second United Presbyterian church is composed of an harmonious, 
earnest, working and happy people, and under the leadership of their 
efficient pastor, who has been well tested, is destined to become a strong 
moral and spiritual force in the city. 


Disciples' Church.

This church was organized in 1832 by Charles Ensell and others. About 40 
persons met together at the residence of Mr. Ensell in East Wheeling. The 
first regular meetings were held in the school-room of William McKay, 
familiarly known as "Father McKay," and which was situated on the east 
side of Market street between Jefferson and Adams streets. Services were 
conducted by the elders of the church. Prior to this time the society met 
at different private houses. They met in McKay's school-room about two 
years, whence they removed to the Lancasterian Academy, where they 
remained until it was torn down. In 1855 a small frame church was erected 
on the west side of Market street in center Wheeling, just below Twenty-
first street, where they remained for twenty years, when they purchased 
St. John's Episcopal church. This purchase was made in 1875. There they 
have been permanently located since. The Sabbath-school connected with 
this church has always been in a prosperous condition.

A great many sacrifices have been made by this congregation and they have 
been involved in considerable of a pecuniary struggle. St. John's 
Episcopal church was purchased by them at a cost of $10,100, and they 
realized $2,500 from the sale of their old building. There are probably 
none of the original members of the church now living. 


METHODISM

The first general conference of this denomination was held at the call of 
Rev. Freeborn Garrettson and others. About 60 intinerant ministers of 
unorganized Methodism gathered for consultation on Friday, December 24, 
1784, in the historic "Lovely Lane Chapel," in Baltimore, Maryland. 
Deeming it best to become an independent body, these preachers organized 
themselves into an organization, authorized by John Wesley, to which they 
gave the name of the "Methodist Episcopal Church." Francis Asbury was 
elected and consecrated as superintendent. The session lasted until 
January 3, 1785.

The second general conference was held in Baltimore, November 1-15, 1792, 
and was composed of all preacher in full connection. Bishops Thomas Coke 
and Francis Asbury, who had substituted the title "bishop" (for which 
action they were rebuked by Wesley), presided. Regular general conferences 
were ordered held every four years. The discipline was revised, and 
provision made for election, consecration and trial of bishops. The 
conference also defined the duties of presiding elders, and provided for 
their appointment by the bishops. The term of the presiding elder was 
limited to four years.

The third general conference began October 20, 1796, and continued two 
weeks. It was held in Baltimore. About 100 members were present and 
Bishops Coke and Asbury presided. The boundaries of six annual conferences 
were determined, and rules respecting slavery and spirituous liquors were 
adopted. Provision was made for the licensing, ordination, payment and 
trial of local preachers.

The fourth general conference was held in Baltimore, May 6-20, 1800, the 
time being changed from October because of the prevalence of yellow fever. 
Salaries of preachers were increased, and fixed at $80. Richard Whatcoat 
was elected bishop, to have equal jurisdiction with Bishop Asbury. The 
bishops were authorized to ordain colored local deacons. The motion to 
make the general conference a delegate body was lost.

The fifth general conference, with 107 members, was held at Baltimore, May 
7-23, 1804, and sat with closed doors. Bishops Coke, Asbury and Whatcoat 
presided. Bishop Coke was given leave to go to Europe to return when 
requested.

The sixth general conference was held in Baltimore May 6-20, 1808, and was 
presided over by Bishop Asbury, Bishop Whatcoat having died in the 
interval and Bishop Coke being absent. William McKendree was elected 
bishop, and delegated body was provided for, the ratio of representation 
being not more than one for every five members of an annual conference, 
and not less than one for every seven. Thus by limiting the election of 
members of the annual conferences practically disfranchised lay preachers, 
those who had been ordained elders up to this time having been recognized 
as entitled to membership in the general conference.

The first delegated general conference was held in John Street Methodist 
church, New York City, May 1-22, 1812. Bishops Asbury and McKendree 
presided. Local deacons were made eligible to elder's orders and the 
motion to elect presiding elders was lost after a heated debate of two 
days. Eight conferences were represented by 90 delegates. One conference--
the New England--had elected three reserve delegates. Their right to seats 
was challenged, but they were admitted, -- the votes being 56 for and 22 
against.

The second delegated general conference was opened by Bishop McKendree in 
Baltimore May 1-24, 1816, Bishop Asbury having died near Fredericksburg, 
Virginia, March 31, 1816. His remains were interred in Eutaw Street church 
in the presence of the general conference May 10th, Bishop McKendree 
preaching the funeral sermon. The ration of representation was changed to 
one for every seven in each annual conference. Enoch George and Robert R. 
Roberts were elected bishops. A depository was authorized to be opened at 
Pittsburg and the publication of a Methodist missionary magazine was 
recommended.

The third delegated general conference with 89 members was held May 1-27, 
1820, in Baltimore. Bishops McKendree, George and Roberts presided. The 
missionary society which had been organized the year previous was indorsed 
by this conference, and the book concern at Cincinnati was established. 
Joshua Soule was elected bishop, but, because he believed it 
unconstitutional for the presiding eldership to be elective, he declined 
the episcopal office.

The fourth delegated general conference with 125 members held in Baltimore 
May 1-28, 1824, elected Joshua Soule and Elijah Hedding bishops. This 
conference decided that "lay delegation" was inexpedient.

The fifth delegated general conference with 176 delegates present was held 
in Pittsburg, May 1-24, 1828. Bishops McKendree, George, Roberts and 
Hedding presided. The motion for elective presiding elders was laid on the 
table. Nathan Bangs was elected editor of the Christian Advocate and 
Journal,which was first issued September 9, 1826.

The sixth general delegated conference with 220 members was held in 
Philadelphia, May 1-28, 1832. bishop McKendree, Roberts, Soule and Hedding 
presided. Bishop George having died in August, 1828, Bishop McKendree 
preached a funeral discourse. A new ration of representation was 
established, being one for every 14, and not less than one for every 30. 
James O. Andrew and John Emory were elected bishops.

The seventh delegated general conference with 151 members met in 
Cincinnati May 2-27, 1836. Bishops McKendree and Emory had died during the 
quadrennium. The slavery question was discussed and two members were 
censured by a vote of 120 to 14 for lecturing at an abolition meeting in 
Cincinnati during the conference session. Bishops Roberts, Soule and 
Hedding were given permission to travel at their discretion. Beverley 
Waugh, Wilbur Fisk and Thomas A. Morris were elected bishops, but Fisk, 
who was absent in Europe at the time of his election, afterward declined 
the honor. This was the only case of the bishopric being declined after 
election. Nathan Bangs was elected first corresponding secretary of the 
missionary society.

The eighth delegated general conference was held in Baltimore May 1-June3, 
1840, and 143 members were present. The six bishops were present and 
presided. The Woman's Magazine,which afterward became the Ladies 
Repository, was recommended. The Christian Apologist, with William Nast as 
editor, was made an official paper.

The ninth delegated general conference, which was the longest in the 
history of the church, was held in New York May 1- June 10, 1844. Five 
bishops were present, Bishop Roberts having died. A debate on slavery 
covering many days made this a notable conference. The decision of the 
Baltimore conference, suspending F. A. Harding for holding slaves, was 
sustained by a vote of 117 to 56, and Bishop Andrew, because his wife 
owned slaves, was requested to desist from exercising his office while the 
impediment remained. Leonides L. Hamline and Edmund S. Janes were elected 
bishops.

The tenth delegated general conference was held in Pittsburg May 1 - June 
1, 1848, with 151 members present. Five bishops were present, Bishop Soule 
and Andrew having gone with the M. E. church, South, organized in 1846. 
Dr. Lovick Pierce, delegate from that church, was invited to a seat in the 
conference; commissioners from that church were also present to adjust 
property claims. Book agents were authorized to arbitrate with the church 
South regarding such claims, if legally possible, but afterward a law suit 
followed which was decided in favor of the church South. Annual 
conferences not having concurred in the "Plan of Separation," it was 
declared null and void.

The eleventh delegated general conference was held in Boston May 1 - June 
1, 1852, with 178 members was presided over by Bishops Waugh, Morris and 
Janes. Bishop Hedding had died and Bishop Hamline had resigned on account 
of ill health. This is the only case of the resignation of a bishop in the 
history of the church. Levi Scott, Matthew Simpson, Osmon C. Baker and 
Edward R. Ames were elected bishops. Lay delegation was again brought up 
and pronounced inexpedient. The discipline was changed to permit pews and 
to allow men and women to sit together. The tract society was organized.

The twelfth delegated conference was held in Indianapolis May 1 - June 4, 
1856, with 220 members and the seven bishops present. The extension of the 
pastoral term for more than two years was deemed unwise. Change in the 
ratio of representation to one for every 45 in annual conferences was 
recommended. The election of a missionary bishop for Africa was authorized 
and Francis Burns, who was elected by the Liberia conference in January, 
1858, was afterward consecrated to this office October 14, 1858. There was 
a long debate on slavery. 

The thirteenth delegated general conference was held in Buffalo, May 1 - 
June 4, 1860, 221 members and six bishops were present, Bishop Waugh 
having died. The chapter on slavery was altered after a long debate and 
buying, selling or holding slaves was condemned. Lay delegation in general 
conference was approved when the church desired it, and it was submitted 
to the annual conferences and the male membership over twenty-one years of 
age. The ration of representation was made one for every 14 members and 
not less than one for every 45. 

The fourteenth delegated general conference was held in Philadelphia May 2-
27, 1864, with 216 members and six bishops present. Two assistant 
missionary secretaries were elected. Provision was made for the observance 
of the centennary of American Methodism in 1866. The pastoral term was 
lengthened to three years. Davis W. Clark, Edward Thomson and Calvin 
Kingsley were elected bishops.

The fifteenth delegated general conference was held in the First M. E. 
church, Chicago, May 1 - June 2, 1868, with 243 delegates. The plan was 
adopted for submitting the question of lay delegation to a vote of the 
ministers and members and for the election of provisional lay delegates to 
the general conference of 1872, in case the ministers cast the necessary 
three-fourths vote in favor of lay delegation.

The sixteenth delegated general conference was held in Brooklyn, New York, 
May 1 - June 4, 1872. There were 292 ministerial and 129 lay delegates. 
The ministers of the annual conference having cast more than the three-
fourths vote for the proposed change in the restrictive rule in favor of 
admitting lay delegates, the general conference itself by a vote of 283 
for and six against concurred with the annual conferences in the proposed 
change. The lay delgates were admitted to their seats. At this conference 
Drs. Bowman, Harris, Foster, Wiley, Merritt, Andrews, Gilbert Haven and 
Jesse T. Peck were elected bishops. The episcopal residences were 
specified for the first time. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was 
recognized. Secretaries and book agents were declared henceforth to be of 
equal authority.

The seventeenth delegated general conference was held in Baltimore May 1-
31, 1876. There were 355 delegates, 222 of whom were ministerial and 133 
were lay. Twelve bishops were present, Bishop Morris and Missionary Bishop 
Roberts having died. The change from Ladies Repository to National 
Repository was authorized. A committee on ecumenical council, to be held 
in London in 1881, was ordered.

The eighteenth delegated general conference was held in Cincinnati May 1-
28, 1880, and was composed of 248 ministerial and 151 lay delegates, in 
all 399. Bishops Janes, Ames and Haven having died, but nine bishops were 
present. The question of abstinence from tobacco was inserted in the form 
for receiving preachers. Drs. Warren, Foss, Hurst and Eratus O. Haven were 
elected bishops.

The nineteenth delegated general conference, May 1-28, 1884, was held in 
Philadelphia. The total delegation was 417, of whom 261 were ministerial 
and 156 were lay. Ten bishops were present. Bishops Peck, Scott Erastus O. 
Haven had died. The licensing and ordaining of women was deemed 
inexpedient. Drs. Ninde, Walden, Mallalieu and Fowler were elected 
bishops, and William Taylor was elected Missionary Bishop for Africa.

The twentieth delegated general conference held in New York May 1-31, 
1888, had 288 ministerial delegates and 175 lay. Twelve bishops were 
present. Bishops Simpson, Wiley and Harris had died. Seats were refused 
Frances E. Willard and four other women, and the eligibility of women to 
seats in the general conference was referred to the church and conferences 
for vote in 1890 and 1891. The pastoral term was lengthened from three to 
five years and that of presiding elders from four to six years. Dr. 
Thoburn was elected Missionary Bishop for India and Malaysia.

The twenty-first delegated general conference was held in Omaha May 2-26, 
1892. Ministerial delegates, 315; lay, 189; total, 504. The lay delegates 
for the first time sat apart from the ministerial. The centennial of the 
general conference observed. The Epworth League was adopted. The American 
University was approved.

The twenty-second delegated general conference was held in Cleveland, 
Ohio, May 1-28, 1896. The delegates consisted of 338 ministerial and 200 
lay. The eligibility of certain women who had been elected delegates was 
challenged. The question was referred to a special committee, which 
reported a compromise, referring the question to the constitutional vote 
of the ministers, but permitting women delegates to occupy seats in the 
general conference without the right to vote. The time of the general 
conference was changed to the first Wednesday in May. Bishops Bowman, 
Foster and Taylor were made non-effective. Drs. C. C. McCabe and Earl 
Cranston were elected bishops and Dr. J. C. Hartzell Missionary Bishop for 
Africa. The date of convening of conference was changed from May 1st to 
the first Wednesday in May.

Such is the story of the general conferences of the Methodist Episcopal 
church and which, though not strictly in the line of local history, 
indirectly is of local interest, and hence the reason why we give it by 
way of introduction to an account of local Methodism. 


Early Methodism in Ohio County.

One of the most eccentric Methodist ministers in early days in Ohio county 
was one Jacob Ruber, sometimes called Jacob Gruber. He was born in the 
Cumberland Valley and came to Ohio county in the early years of the 
nineteenth century. For four years he was presiding elder of the Short 
Creek circuit. His eccentricity was markedly manifested in his apparel. In 
those early days the Methodists were as pronounced in their dress as were 
the members of the denomination known as Friends.

The female portion of the community, young and old, wore caps destitute of 
ruffles, which were a forbidden display, and these caps fitted closely to 
their heads. They also wore a style of bonnets called scoops, wanting in 
ornaments such as ribbons or flowers, which were too worldly. They were 
not permitted to wear jewelry of any kind, as rings, earrings and 
breastpins were looked upon as unseemly. 

The males wore broad-brimmed hats, shad-bellied coats, short breeches 
minus suspenders, and other articles of dress corresponding to plainness 
and all absence of display, and all cultivated gravity of speech and 
circumspection in demeanor and conduct.

The individual we have mentioned was frequent in his denunciation of any 
departure from the regulation dress and did not hesitate to publicly 
reprove the offender. As illustrative of his peculiarity of his it is 
related of him that on a certain occasion he was attending a camp meeting 
in the vicinity of Philadelphia, and in passing along he met a company of 
women richly dressed in silks and satins engaged in singing hymns, the 
last couplet of one of which was--

I hope to reach my heavenly home
And find my long sought rest.

He joined them in singing, but surprised and confounded them by winding up 
the couplet by inserting at the end of the last line the works, "my long 
silk dress," instead of the words, "my long sough rest." The ladies became 
indignant and withdrew, but their vacant places were filled by those 
clothed in the more subdued and less costly raiment of their profession. 


Fourth Street M. E. Church.

The first building of this church was a one-story brick which stood on an 
elevated sand or gravel bank which occupied the site of the present church 
edifice. It had a small gallery in the eat end. The church faced to the 
west, where its entrance was located, which was reached by wooden steps 
leading up to it. At night services it was lighted with tallow dips. Rev. 
John Waterman was, we believe, the minister in charge at this time.

The congregation having greatly increased in numbers, it was necessary to 
erect a more commodious edifice for their accommodation, and hence the 
Second church building was erected in 1832-33, a large brick building 
capable of accommodating from 1,500 to 2,000 persons. This building had 
large galleries and was the most capacious building in the city at the 
time of its erection. It was dedicated December 24, 1833, by Rev. Dr. 
Ruter, of Pittsburg. In 1866, when repairs were in progress on the 
building, the discovery was made that the walls of the church and the 
foundation had settled and that it would be necessary to rebuild.

The old structure was torn down and rebuilding was commenced at once and 
in the year 1867 the present costly and elegant building was completed. On 
the 15th of May, 1868, the church was dedicated with appropriate services 
by Bishop Janes. It is a credit to the congregation.

This parent church has sent forth numerous colonies. The first to which we 
here refer was the German M. E. church in 1839. 


Chapline Street M. E. Church.

This church was erected in 1848 by members living south of the creek. The 
lot upon which the church stands was donated by Henry Echols and Thomas 
Hornbrook. Ever since its organization it has greatly prospered and has 
been a blessing in the community. A new church building was begun in June, 
1901, and on October 2d of this year the corner-stone was laid with 
appropriate services by Bishop Andrews. It occupies the site of the old 
church on the east side of Chapline street below Twenty-third street. Rev. 
J. E. Robinson is at present pastor of the church. 


North Street M. E. Church.

This congregation was organized at about the same time the last named was. 
William P. Wilson and others were appointed a committee to purchase a lot 
and erect upon it a building for worship, as there were many of the 
Methodist persuasion living in that part of the city. It has a large and 
growing membership and has been an instrument of great good in the section 
where it is located. 


Wesley M. E. Church.

This church is situated on Jacob street in South Wheeling and was 
organized in 1850. William Montgomery, Joseph Woods and Henry Ohley were 
the original trustees. They erected a small birck building and it was 
dedicated by Rev. Cornelius Battelle in 1851. The old church becoming too 
small for the growing congregation, a new building was erected on the old 
site. It is now in a thriving condition. It has a large and flourishing 
Sabbath-school. 


Thomson M. E. Church.

This church sprang out of a Union Sabbath-school, which was in charge of 
Dr. Thomas H. Logan and G. L. Cranmer, established in 1854. Daniel Zane, 
Esq., donated the lot for a church, on which was originally erected a 
plain frame building. Through the instumentality of Deacon E. J. Stone, a 
member of the Methodist denomination, and a number of the members of that 
denomination, a church was organized under the above name. Its growth was 
permanent and now it has proven to be a successful and prosperous 
organization. In the course of a few years the old frame church gave place 
to a large and substantial brick edifice. It is situated on the east side 
of Broadway on the Island, between Zane and Virginia streets. 


Zane Street M. E. Church.

This organization is also an offshoot from the Fourth Street M. E. church. 
It was organized in 1866. It is located in East Wheeling. The building is 
of brick. 


Simpson M. E. Chapel.

This church was organized by the colored Methodist in 1866. With the 
increase of their numbers they became strong enough to separate themselves 
from the whites and establish a church of their own. It has a large and 
earnest membership and a flourishing congregation. It also has a large and 
increasing Sabbath-school, the superintendent of which is an indefatigable 
and devoted worker and who is a person thoroughly fitted for his place, 
and takes great pleasure in the cause in which he is engaged. 


German M. E. Church.

In January, 1839, John Swahlen, who was a convert under the ministrations 
of Rev. Willian Nast, was sent out as an exhorter and also as an agent to 
obtain subscriptions for the Christian Apologist. When he arrived in 
Wheeling he found the Germans hungry for the bread of life and immediately 
began to exhort them to seek the Lord. The word took effect at once, and a 
society of 26 members was formed. Upon being licensed to preach, Rev. 
Swahlen was sent to Wheeling as a missionary. After laboring eighteen 
months he reported 83 members in the society, and the erection of a 
meeting house 40 x 40 feet and two stories high. This was the first German 
Methodist Episcopal church ever built anywhere.

The first leaders' and stewards' meeting was organized May 6, 1839, and 
the first quarterly conference was held August 9, 1839. There were present 
the following persons: N. N. Callender, presiding elder; John Swahlen, 
preacher; Henry Koenicke, exhorter and leader; Lawrence Schork, class 
leader; Charles Schelper, class leader; Engelhart Rimenschneider, class 
leader; Henry Daum, class leader; Henry Henke, class leader and steward; 
Christian Ohle, steward; Frederick Fitchner, steward.

The names following are the first trustees; Christian Ohle, Henry Henke, 
Christian Woehlert, Charles Schelper, Daniel Zane, James M. Wheat, Elijah 
Day, Robert Hamilton and William Lambdin, all of whom are now deceased.

The following report was made to the conference held August, 1901:

Salary of the preacher      $900
Salary of presiding elder     75
Running expenses of church   464
Sabbath-school               145
General benevolence          370
Repairs, painting,
electricity and seats      1,500
                          $3,454
	
The present membership is about 220, 40 of whom are under twenty years of 
age. 


St. James German Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The founders of this congregation were John, David, Gottlieb and Jacob 
Bayha, William Keyter, John Werst, Thomas Kern, F. Schumann, Jacob 
Schweizer, C. Shaich, Charles Koerner, L. Meder, Jacob Trautwein and A. 
Weber. Its organization was effected in May, 1856, and the first board of 
officers was elected. The first pastor was C. Sapper. The second pastor 
was C. G. Frederick, of Washington, Pennsylvania. At the beginning the few 
members worshipped in Union Hall, situated on Main street. The lot on 
which the present building is erected was purchased in 1859. It is 
situated on the west side of Chapline street between Fourteenth and 
Fifteenth streets. The corner-stone of the church was laid in 1860 and the 
dedication of the edifice took place in June following. Rev. Frederick 
resigned at about the close of the year 1863, and in May of the following 
year the congregation called Rev. A. W. Werder to the pastorate. He was 
ordained in 1864. He is still the pastor of the congregation, and 
continues active in all his labors for the building up of the cause of his 
Master in this community. 


First English Evangelical Lutheran Church.

This church was organized August 12, 1860, by Rev. Thomas W. Dosh, a 
member of the synod of Virginia, with 24 members, and the services at that 
time were held in the old Baptist church on Seventeenth street. His 
pastorate was short. His family, relatives and friend all being eastern 
Virginia when the war between the sections broke out, he returned to his 
former home and subsequently became a prominent member of the Southern 
Lutheran church. 

The second pastor of the church was Rev. Samuel B. Barnitz, who 
reorganized the church, for the organization formed by Rev. Dosh had 
become scattered and defunct. He was licensed to preach the gospel and 
administer the sacraments for one year from October 1, 1861, by the 
Evangelical Lutheran Synod of West Pennsylvania. From this date until May, 
1862, he labored in Pennsylvania and New York. On June 15, 1862, he 
entered upon the pastoral work of the English Evangelical Lutheran mission 
in this city, which had had no pastor for over a year. The first audience 
to which he preached in Wheeling did not number over 18 members. He was 
ordained by the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of West Pennsylvania, at 
Shippensburg, September 13, 1862. For a time services were held in St. 
James' German Lutheran church, and subsequently at Odd Fellows' hall, 
where services were continued until they erected the building where 
services are now held, on Sixteenth street. The price of this lot was $3,
500, of which amount the congregation was able to pay down but $50. He was 
successful as a pastor and preacher and was also a great Sunday-school 
worker.

Since the resignation of Rev. Barnitz he has been acting as western 
secretary of the Board of Home Missions of the General Synod of the 
Evangelical Lutheran church. He has been honored by Pennsylvania College 
with the degree of D. D.

The third pastor of this church was Rev. Emanuel H. Dornblaser. He was 
licensed to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments by the Miami 
Evangelical Lutheran Synod in October 1878, and ordained by the same in 
October 1879. His first charge was in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, where 
he served two years. He was unanimously elected pastor the First English 
Evangelical Lutheran church of Wheeling, which he served for twelve 
consecutive years from November 20, 1881 to December 14, 1893. The actual 
membership of the church under his pastorate was increased nearly 200. He 
is now located in Springfield, Ohio, where he serves the Second English 
Lutheran church as its pastor.

The fourth and present pastor is Rev. Samuel Schwarm, who took charge 
February 1, 1894. On December 14, 1893, although he had refused to be a 
candidate, he was agreeably surprised by the receipt of the following 
telegram: 

Wheeling, W. Va., December 14, 1893.
Rev. Dr. S. Schwarm:
Unanimously elected my successor tonight. Salary thirteen hundred per year.
H. D. Dornblaser. 

A formal call immediately followed. He was licensed to preach the gospel 
by the Miami synod in 1876 and ordained to the gospel ministry of the 
Evangelical Lutheran church by the Olive Branch synod in 1878. His work as 
pastor speaks for itself.

The dedication proper of the First English Evangelical Lutheran church 
occurred January 16, 1898. The officiating ministers included the pastors, 
Rev. S. Schwarm, D. D., Rev. S. B. Barnitz, D. D., Rev. E. H. Dornblaser 
and Rev. S. A. Ort, D. D. Rev. D. A. Cunningham, D. D., represented the 
Wheeling ministers. The services occupied the morning, afternoon and 
evening.(*)

(* For an account of this and the preceding history of the church, the 
writer is indebted to the courtesy of Rev. Dr. Schwarm)


St. Stephanus' German Reformed Evangelical Church.

About 20 German families started this congregation in the year 1875. Prior 
to this time they belonged to St. Paul's German Independent congregation. 
It became a member of the organization known as "The Reformed Church of 
the United States of North America." Its first pastor was Rev. Louis 
Mueller, who resigned his charge in 1877, when Rev. J. L. Schatz accepted 
a call as pastor of the congregation. They bought a lot in the early part 
of the year 1878, on which to erect a church building. This lot was 
located on the corner of Eoff and Thirty-sixth streets. In the fall of 
1878 the building was finished, and in December of that year it was 
dedicated to the worship of God. The congregation is in a prosperous 
condition, and there is a flourishing Sabbath school. The government of 
the church is exercised by a body of elders and deacons presided over by 
the pastor. 


St. John's German Independent Protestant Church.

This church is located on the corner of Market and Seventeenth streets. 
Their first church edifice was erected on Eighteenth street, but in 1871 
they completed their present fine edifice, costing in the aggregate nearly 
$30,000. They have a large and flourishing Sabbath-school and several 
societies engaged in church work. 


First Baptist Church.

This church was organized in May, 1833, by Elder S. Williams, of 
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who acted as moderator, and Elder George 
Washington as clerk. Ten persons constituted the first membership of the 
church, to which in the following year thirteen were added, nine by 
baptism and four by letter. Their meeting were held in a school-house on 
John (now Sixteenth) street, in public halls and in private residences. In 
1847 the congregation built a house of worship on a lot on Clay street, 
which had been donated for the purpose by Hon. Daniel Moore, of 
Washington, Pennsylvania, which was used until 1866, when the present 
location on the southeast corner of Byron and Twelfth streets, was 
purchased from St. Matthew's Protestant Episcopal church. For many years 
it has received aid from the Home Mission Society of the Baptist church. 
The congregation has sustained a flourishing Sabbath-school. 


St. Matthew's Protestant Episcopal Church.

The Episcopalians erected the second church building in Wheeling, the 
Methodist church having been erected first. The first Episcopal church, 
which was a frame structure, stood on the east side of Marker Square, 
between Tenth and Eleventh streets, and was dedicated by Bishop Chase, of 
the diocese of Virginia.

About this time Rev. William Armstrong and family removed here from 
Frederick, Maryland, and it was largely through his efforts that the house 
of worship was erected. He was followed by Rev. Wheat, who, like the 
former, was a faithful pastor and was greatly beloved by his people. After 
a short time he retired and was followed by Rev. William Armstrong, Jr. 
Soon after his induction into office, the congregation grew to such an 
extent that more commodious quarters were required to accommodate the 
increased numbers who attended upon the services. A building was therefore 
erected on the southeast corner of Twelfth and Jacob streets, the same now 
occupied by the Baptist denomination. The remains of this last named 
pastor we understand rest under the flight of steps leading up to the 
vestibule of the church. In 1861 Rev. Perkins, who had succeeded to the 
pastorate, resigned, and was followed by Rev. Addison. During his 
incumbency, the present fine stone edifice situated on the northeast 
corner of Chapline and Fifteenth streets was commenced and completed in 
the fall of 1865. Rev. Addison was followed by Rev. C. G. Currie, who 
after two or three years was followed by Rev. Latane, who remained until 
1875, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. G. Armstrong, a man of fine 
education and a finished scholar. He was succeeded, in 1879, by Rev. R. R. 
Swope, who resigned to accept a position in Biltmore, North Carolina. He 
was followed by Rev. Thomas, who was called to Philadelphia, being 
followed by the present rector, Rev. David W. Howard, D. D., who has 
labored energetically in his work. 


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

In the year 1818 there were but three or four Catholic families in the 
city, who were occasionally visited by a priest from Pittsburg of the name 
of Father Maguire. He labored zealously in behalf of his faith and not in 
vain. Noah Zane was much interested in him as he was a man of fine wit and 
extensive knowledge. On his visits he was always entertained by Mr. Zane, 
with whom he was in the habit of stopping and enjoying the gentleman's 
hospitality. On one occasion he remarked to Mr. Zane that as he had given 
lots to some other denominations, it would be a graceful thing for him to 
give one to his denomination, so that it might erect a church upon it. 
Unhesitatingly, Mr. Zane replied: "Certainly I will with great pleasure,--
I will give you a lot on the back street" (meaning Chapline street). "Why, 
Mr. Zane, surely you would not put us back of the Methodist church" (this 
being located immediately in front of the proposed lot on Market Square); 
"Why, sir, we are centuries before the Methodist church." Mr. Zane was 
amused at the earnestness of the Father and finally said, "I will give you 
the lot on the corner" (the southeast corner of the present Chapline and 
Eleventh streets). Father Maguire was gratified in the change made and 
expressed his most sincere thanks. On this lot was built the first 
Catholic church in Wheeling, which was erected in 1822. It was a small 
brick and the entrance was from Chapline street. It was plain and 
unpretending in its exterior and was amply large enough for the small 
congregation which gathered there for worship.

The first pastor was Rev. James Hoerner, -- a Frenchman, who was a great 
lover of music. Under his ministrations the congregation was largely 
increased in numbers. He labored here for ten years when he left, greatly 
to the regret of his parishioners.

At this period Rev. R. V. Whelan, D. D., was bishop of the diocese of 
Richmond, which included the entire state of Virginia, and when Rev. 
Hoerner left he appointed Rev. Eugene Comerford, who remained only for 
three years.

In 1846, Rev. R. V. Whelan, D. D., though bishop of the diocese of 
Richmond, came to reside for a while in Wheeling and performed the 
pastoral duties almost unaided. The diocese of Wheeling was established in 
1850, and the bishop of Richmond was translated to the new See of Wheeling.

Until 1847 the little church which had been erected in 1822 was sufficient 
to accommodate the congregation, but at that time Bishop Whelan resolved 
to have a more capacious and grand edifice, -- one that would answer for 
many years to come. Accordingly the corner stone of St. Joseph's Cathedral 
was laid in 1847. Rev. Dr. Whelan himself designed it, and in person 
superintended the construction. In less than ten years he found it 
necessary to erect another church and to accommodate the increasing 
numbers and the separate church for the German members was dedicated in 
1858, -- St. Alphonsus German Catholic church. In 1872, he erected a third 
church, that of the Immaculate Conception in the Eight ward. 

Immediately after his arrival in Wheeling, in 1846, Bishop Whelan 
manifested a noteworthy zeal in the important matter of education. He was 
not content with establishing what are known as parish schools, but at 
once organized the Whelan Female Academy, and called to his assistance 
those famed educators, the Sisters of the Visitation, B. V. M. So exalted 
was his idea of education, that he, moreover, secured among them a 
teaching corps that has ever since gained for the Sisters Academy the very 
highest reputation. The academy continued in Wheeling until 1865 when it 
was removed to a point two miles east of the city, and was then called 
Mount De Chantal. No sooner had the Wheeling Female Academy been removed 
to the country, than the ever vigilant Bishop Whelan put St. Joseph's 
Academy in operation on the site of the old one. In 1850 he purchased an 
admirable property for the Wheeling Hospital, on its present site, and 
greatly enlarged the building. He soon discovered another claim of 
charity. A home for orphans challenged his attention and soon the Act 
incorporating the Wheeling Hospital was amended so as to read, "The 
Wheeling Hospital and Orphan Asylum." The beautiful Mount Calvary Cemetery 
was also one of the Bishop's undertakings. It was laid out by the Bishop 
himself.

After an episcopate of thirty-three years, Rt. Rev. Richard Vincent 
Whelan, D. D., died in the city of Baltimore, his birthplace, on the 7th 
of July, 1874. As a prelate, his record is as bright and glorious as that 
of any bishop of his church from the days of the Most Rev. John Carroll, 
first bishop in the States, to his own day. He was a man of indomitable 
will, of wonderful courage and of a power of endurance that knew no 
bounds. As a churchman his life was so grand, so heroic, that it many be 
termed apostolic. His remains repose in Mount Calvary Cemetery, beneath 
the alter of a beautiful chapel, which the love and reverence and 
gratitude of his people erected to his saintly memory. 


First Sabbath School in Wheeling.

The first Sabbath-school in Wheeling was established in November, in the 
year 1818, through the efforts of Reddick McKee and Daniel Peck, Esqs. It 
was a Union school in which Presbyterians, Epsicopalians, Methodist, 
Baptists and Quakers participated. It was held in a little building 
situated on the corner of the present Eighth and Main streets, in a room 
occupied by one D. D. Remington, who taught a private school there, who 
not only tendered his room but his services. Being a literary man, he was 
asked to draft a suitable constitution. This he duly reported, prefaced by 
a copious extract from the preamble to the Constitution of the United 
States, as follows: "Whereas in the course of human events it becomes 
necessary, &c., &c."

At the first meeting of the school 30 scholars were in attendance, with 
some five or six ladies and gentleman as voluntary teachers. The children 
were surprised when Mr. Peck gave out and sang an appropriate hymn--for it 
was a novelty at that day to sing in a schoolroom. 

During the week following the opening of the school, Mr. McKee, Mr. Elijah 
Day and Mr. Peck canvassed the town for scholars and the following Sabbath 
they had between 70 and 80 scholars present.

In a few weeks the number in the school increased so rapidly that other 
and larger quarters and to be secured. Consequently the school was removed 
to a room near the old Stone Court House, then to the brick school in the 
orchard occupying the site of the present Second Ward Market House, and 
then to the Lancasterian Academy. While the school was held in the last 
mentioned place, some of the Methodist brethren thought that they could do 
more good in a separate school of their own, and quite a number of 
teachers with about 100 scholars withdrew to colonize in the Methodist 
church. A short time after another colony left under the guidance of two 
of the most faithful teachers, H. Armstrong and Z. B. Curtis, and formed 
the school of St. Matthew's Episcopal church. Soon, however, the school 
was as full as ever, as many as 300 being in attendance.

In those days the school met twice on the Sabbath and had an hour and a 
half or about that for each session. The afternoon session was regarded as 
the most profitable and interesting.

Next to Mr. McKee and Mr. Peck, the school was probably most indebted to 
Dr. Archibald S. Todd, Z. B. Curtis, Thomas H. Armstrong and William 
Dulty, though these last named all entered the school at a later period. 
The school was also indebted to the aid of Captain Irwin, Elijah Day, 
Thomas H. List, Robert Hamilton, &c. At a later day came William 
Templeton, John Moore, David Hadden, James Wier, Findley Paull, E. W. B. 
Canning, William Slocomb, Oliver Bryson, Robert C. Bonham, Joseph S. 
Wylie, Joseph Matthews and others.

Belonging to the female department were the following teachers, viz: 
Eleanor Ray, Elizabeth McConnell, Jane Reid, Mary Nesbit, Charity Seamon, 
Mary Harkins, Abby and Lydia Edgerton, Sally Ann Evans, Adeline Caldwell, 
Rebecca and Phoebe Lamb, Hettie and Eliza Wylie, Jane Clark, Mrs. Eliza 
Reid, Mrs. E. Shipman, Mrs. Westcott, Mrs. Lyon, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Weed, 
Mrs. Wood, &c.

None of the parties named now remain, and perhaps none of those who 
attended the school as scholars now survive. The labors of the teachers 
were not in vain, for from this humble commencement have all the Sabbath-
schools in the city of Wheeling had their birth. The workers have gone, 
but the work goes on. We give the names of a few of those who were 
scholars in the school and were brought under the influence and dedicated 
their lives to the preaching of the everlasting gospel, viz: William McK. 
Lambdin and Thomas Galley, who went into the Methodist ministry, and James 
Dorsey, who was educated at Bethany College. Those who became ministers in 
the Presbyterian church were Joseph Templeton, Samuel Templeton, Joseph K. 
Wiley, Alfred Paull, Edgar Woods, Martin L. Todd, Joseph Mathers and 
William Riheldaffer, besides others whose names are not obtainable.

The population of the town at the time of the establishment of this 
Sabbath-school was about 1,000. 


Children's Home of the City of Wheeling.

It is always interesting to not the beginning of things, more particularly 
such as conduce to the general welfare and advantage of humanity, hence 
the inception, growth and history of an institution, which has for its 
object the promotion of the morals and virtues of society at large, 
demands and should receive the cordial support and encouragement of the 
citizens generally. 

Such and institution is the Children's Home of the City of Wheeling, which 
had its origin at a regular meeting of the members of the Young Men's 
Christian Association of Wheeling, held in their rooms on February 7, 
1870, when Rev. S. B. Barnitz submitted the following preamble and 
resolution, which was adopted: 

"Whereas, the Young Men's Christian Association of this city seems not to 
have before it an object sufficiently definite to enlist the hearty 
sympathy of our citizens, and whereas, the want of a home for neglected 
and orphan children is being sorely felt in our community, and the 
establishment of such a home, a necessity to the moral and religious 
welfare of hundreds of children who are now growing up in the vice and 
immorality. 

"Therefore, Resolved that a committee of five be appointed to report at 
our next meeting a plan for the establishment of such an institution with 
a constitution and by-laws for the government of its managers and such 
other arrangements as shall at once put it into successful operation." In 
accordance with the terms of the foregoing preamble and resolution, the 
following gentlemen were appointed as committee, viz: Rev. S. B. Barnitz, 
Samuel Laughlin, William B. Simpson, Benjamin Davenport and M. W. Miller, 
each of whom contributed the sum of $100 toward the furtherance of the 
work. 

At the next regular meeting of the association, the committee, through 
Benjamin Davenport, Esq., reported that a charter for the institution had 
been obtained, -- that all necessary legislation had been granted, and 
that on the succeeding day in the afternoon, a public meeting would be 
held to complete the organization and to put the movement into practical 
working shape, whereupon T. M. McNeely submitted the following 
resolutions, which, on motion, were adopted: 

"Resolved, That we approve of the report made by the committee and 
congratulate them upon the work done. 

"Resolved, That the committee be continued to represent the association at 
the meeting of the incorporators, and to report to this association what 
action it had, at its next meeting." 

At the next meeting, which was held on the 21st of March, the committee 
reported the organization by the incorporators as complete and was 
discharged with the thanks of the association for the successful 
consummation of the purpose of the appointment. Subsequently, at a meeting 
held on the 18th of April, Benjamin Davenport, Esq., made a further report 
to the effect that the work was progressing finely and that soon a large 
field of usefulness would be opened. 

The committee found a ready response on the part of our citizens and were 
greatly encouraged in the prosecution of the undertaking, and at a meeting 
held at the residence of Samuel Laughin, Esq., the members individually 
pledged themselves for the payment of the rent of a suitable house for the 
first year. The corporation promptly proceeded to the election of officers 
and at the same time adopted a constitution and by-laws. 

In the meantime a location for the home had been secured on the corner of 
Market and Seventeenth streets, which was known as the mansion house of 
James H. Forsyth, Esq., which occupied the site of the present St. John's 
German Independent Protestant church, of which they took possession on the 
1st of April next following. 

From the start the wisdom and foresight of the originators of the 
enterprise were justified as well as demonstrated. The first inmates 
admitted were a degraded and wretched woman and two destitute children, 
who were rescued from a condition of abject want and misery. 

During the first year 28 children were received and admitted to its 
shelter and protection. 

The experiences of the home during the second year of its existence were 
gloomy and forbidding in the extreme, and were well calculated to shake 
the faith of its founders, as a crisis had arisen which for a time seemed 
to threaten its very existence and destroy its influence for good. 

In the beginning of the year it was visited with an epidemic of sickness 
among its inmates, now increased to 40 in number, with such diseases as 
smallpox and whooping cough, by one or other of which nearly every member 
of its community was prostrated. The president of the board was assiduous 
in his attentions to the inmates in the furnishing of medicines and such 
necessaries as were deemed essential to the welfare of its occupants. In 
this trying period the matron, Mrs. Jane Oldham, was fearless and faithful 
in the discharge of the onerous duties devolving upon her. The directors, 
though discouraged by the prevailing sickness and the poverty and want 
which stared them in the face, yet nevertheless had not wholly lost faith 
in the ultimate success of the experiment. At the beginning of the month 
of March, 1872, the institution was indebted for household supplies and 
expenses in the sum of $1,000. The prospect at this time was a dreary one, 
and was made more so by the additional fact that, with a dependent family 
of 32 helpless children, there was a strong probability that they would 
have to vacate the premises, and be turned out of doors on the approaching 
first day of April. 

But by the persistent and idefatigable efforts of the board of directors 
and the blessings of Providence, the dark cloud which threatened the 
future of its existence was dissipated and light shone through the lurid 
surroundings. A subscription paper was started for the purchase of an 
eligible site for a permanent home, to which the following gentlemen 
contributed the sums affixed opposite their respective names, viz: D. C. 
List, $1,000; J. L. Hobbs, $1,000; W. B. Simpson, $1,000; H. K. List, $1,
000; J. L. Stifel, $1,000; Samuel Laughlin, $500; A. G. Robinson, $500; 
Robert Gibson, $500; J. N. Vance, $500; W. L. Hearne, $500; S. H. 
Woodward, $500; S. McClellan, $500; C. Oghbay, $500; L. S. Delaplain, 
$500; and Henry Wallace, $500, -- the whole amounting to the sum of $10,
000. 

These gentlemen purchased the property situated on the corner of 
Thirteenth and Jacob streets, in the city of Wheeling, for the sum of $6,
000. With the remaining $4,000 they enlarged and repaired the same and it 
was conveyed to D. C. list, as trustee, for the benefit of the Children's 
Home. This property was occupied by it on the first day May, 1872, and was 
formally transferred to the corporation, March 22, 1882, and is owned by 
the home, free of debt. The first matron of the home was Mrs. Jane Oldham 
and was succeeded in that position by Mrs. M. D. Boyd, Miss Maggie Glenn 
acted as teacher. 

The incorporators of the institution, at a meeting held on the 8th of 
March, 1870, elected the following persons as officers for the ensuing 
year, viz: President, Chester D. Hubbard; 1st vice-president, John L. 
Hobbs; 2nd vice-president, James Paull; secretary, S. P. Hildreth; 
treasurer, Thomas Hornbrook. Board of directors; Rev. S. B. Barnitz, W. B. 
Simpson, Samuel Laughlin and Benjamin Davenport. Board of lady managers: 
Mrs. Daniel C. List, Mrs. L. A. Hagans, Mrs. Robert Morrison, Mrs. W. F. 
Butler, Mrs. J. R. Dickey, Mrs. J. L. Hobbs, Mrs. J. R. Greer, Mrs. E. 
Stewart, Mrs. M. L. Todd, Mrs. George W. Franzheim, Mrs. S. B. Barnitz, 
Mrs. J. N. Vance, Miss Amelia Nelson, Miss Rowley and Miss Maggie Ott. Of 
the lady managers, Mrs. L. A. Hagans was elected president; Mrs. J. N. 
Vance, vice-president; Mrs. W. F. Butler, treasurer; Miss Maggie Ott, 
recording secretary; Miss Amelia Nelson corresponding secretary; and Mrs. 
Jane Oldham, matron. 

About the time of its settlement in its permanent home an endowment fund 
was started which, by liberal donations and bequests, made from time to 
time, has increased until it has now reached to an encouraging amount, of 
which neither principal nor interest has been used, but is sacredly 
devoted to the purpose and wishes of the donors and devisors to the 
permanence and welfare of the home throughout all coming time. The aim is 
to increase the accumulations of this fund until an ample amount is 
secured, when its charitable influences and usefulness can be more widely 
extended. The economical and conservative manner in which the home has 
been conducted in its past history gives assurance of what may be looked 
for in the future and should recommend the growth of this endowment fund 
to such as have been blessed with means by a kind Providence, and the 
object should commend itself to them that they might remember it by gift 
or legacy; as it derives no revenue from taking children to board, nor 
does it receive aid or support from municipal taxes or funds, but is 
wholly dependent for its support upon the kindly sympathy and generous 
liberality of such as are charitably disposed, to whom heretofore they 
have never appealed in vain. 

The exact number of children admitted during the last thirty years can not 
be arrived at with accuracy from the fact that the records kept by the 
lady managers during the first seven years of the existence of the home 
were unfortunately consumed in the fire which destroyed the Grant House, 
April 30, 1877. Owing to its present limited capacity no more than 30 at 
one time can be provided for in the home, but with the completion of the 
new building now in course of construction this number can be largely 
increased. 

During the thirty years of the existence of the home, not less than 500 
children have been provided with suitable and comfortable homes, thus 
averaging per year over 16 children who have been thus provided for. Many 
gratifying letters have been received from time to time from foster 
parents and guardians who have these children in charge, expressive of 
their appreciation of their acquisition of these little ones, who in many 
instances have taken the place of beloved children parted from their 
parents by death. And in many instances when death has taken the adopted 
child, the stroke has been felt almost as keenly as if the child so taken 
was their own natural born off-spring. 

The greatest precautions are taken by the board of lady managers, and 
especially by those who are members of the binding committee, as to the 
welfare and comfort of the children sent out under the beneficent 
influence of the institution, as each person supplying for and adopting a 
child is required to furnish unquestioned references as to competency and 
character, and to enter into a bond with good and sufficient security in 
the sum of $1,000, conditioned for the faithful performance of duty. The 
following is a summary of the number and disposition of the children 
received into the home during the thirty years of its existence, and has 
been kindly furnished by Mrs. J. J. Jones, chairman of the binding 
committee: Of this number of 500 children there are now 23 in the home at 
the present time. There have been sent out to homes during that time, 
generally to places in the country, 261 children; returned to parents or 
other relatives, 189; placed in reformatory institutions (3 boys, 2 
girls), 5; transferred to other children's homes (boys), 2; died while in 
the home (3 boys, 6 girls), 9; retained in the home until of legal age (1 
boy, 2 girls) 3; ran away and were not brought back, 3. 

Of the children returned to parents or other relatives some were only in a 
home a short time, while others were kept weeks and months before the 
relatives could give the management satisfactory evidence that they could 
keep them comfortably and send them to school. Of the boys who ran away at 
different times, they were boys for whom we failed to secure homes and in 
most instances were large enough to earn a living and fretted at the 
restraint of the home discipline, so for the good of the home they were 
not, after the second or third offense, brought back. 

Of the children placed in different homes, throughout the state, 16 have 
died, eight boys and eight girls. Two of the girls had married, one of 
whom left three little children, the other girl died soon after her 
marriage. One of the boys was drowned, one killed by a falling tee, and 
one, who was learning to be a railroad engineer, was killed by being 
struck by an engine, he was about twenty-four years old at the time of his 
death, and was married. 

At the annual meeting of the board of directors, held June 9, 1900, the 
following officers were elected: W. B. Simpson, president; G. L. Cranmer, 
first vice-president; Myron Hubbard, second vice-president; John C. Lynch, 
secretary; John K. List, treasurer. Board of directors: W. B. Simpson, G. 
L. Cranmer, B. W. Peterson, George A. Laughlin, A. L. White, John C. 
Lynch, Myron Hubbard, W. A. List, J. J. Jones, Dr. R. H. Bullard, John K. 
List. Officers of the board of lady managers: Mrs. J. C. Hupp, president; 
Miss Laura Lawson, secretary; Mrs. J. J. Jones, corresponding secretary. 
Members of the board of lady managers: Mrs. John Frew, Mrs. Guy R. C. 
Allen, Mrs. Anne Morris, Mrs. John C. Lynch, Mrs. R. Harden, Mrs. B. W. 
Peterson, Mrs. George Kurner, Mrs. George E. Stifel, Mrs. Louis White, 
Mrs. Walker Frissell, Mrs. S. P. Laughlin, Mrs. A. J. Brown, Mrs. B. F. 
Gatch, Miss Amanda List, Miss Mary McKee, Miss Jennie Wise, Miss Hettie M. 
List, Miss Kate Allison, Mrs. John Moffat. 

The following have been presidents of the home: Rev. S. B. Barnitz, D. D., 
now of Des Moines, Iowa; Rev. W. B. Thompson, now of Detroit, Michigan; 
Rev. E. H. Dornblaser, now of Springfield, Ohio, and Henry K. List, of 
Wheeling, until his death in May, 1900. 

Presidents of board of lady managers: Mrs. L. A. Hagans, to the year 1872; 
Mrs. W. F. Butler, to the year 1879; Mrs. J. P. Harden, to the year 1888; 
Mrs. J. C. Hupp, to date. 

Matrons of the Home: Mrs. Jane Oldham, Mrs. M. D. Boyd, Mrs. Josephine E. 
Northrop, Mrs. M. A. Eoff, Miss Louisa Forney, deceased, Miss Lizzie 
Forney at the present time. 

At a meeting of the board held September 6, 1900, the building committee 
reported that they had purchased the McCrumm property, in Woodsdale, about 
two miles distant from the city, easily accessible by the motor line or by 
carriage and other vehicles, the purchase having been made in accordance 
with a resolution of the board held on March 5, 1901, both plans and bids 
were submitted for the erection of the new building, which wee unanimously 
approved. The gross sum for the new building was not to exceed the sum of 
$30,000 when complete. The building is to be ready for occupancy by the 
first day of December, 1901. A committee consisting of Messrs. Laughlin, 
White and Lynch were appointed to arrange a programme for the laying of 
the corner stone to take place on Monday, June 24, 1901, and the 
ceremonies attendant thereon. 

In the death of Louis C. Stifel, a member of the board of directors and 
secretary of the board for twenty years, which was so sudden and 
unexpected that not only was the board called upon to mourn the death of a 
faithful and devoted member who had the interests of the home at heart, 
but the entire community realized that they had lost and honorable citizen 
and upright man whose place would be hard to fill. At the time of the 
happening of the accident which resulted in his death, he was in the full 
vigor of manhood and a bright future seemed to be before him. Modes and 
unassuming in nature, he was warm-hearted and liberal and the home had no 
warmer friend. 

In May, 1900, the board and the community was called upon to mourn the 
loss of the president of the Home, Henry K. List. He was elected president 
of the home July 13, 1880, which office was continuously held by him from 
that time up to the time of his death. In him the board lost not alone a 
wise counselor and earnest officer, but one who contributed by his labor 
and means to the best interests and welfare of the home. 

The loss of two such noble, worthy and disinterested men produced a shock 
the effect of which will not be recovered from for years to come. Each 
erected to themselves monuments more enduring than these of brass or 
marble, for good deed never die, their influence being felt and recognized 
not alone in Time, but throughout the ages of Eternity.